Friday, July 17, 2009

This year is the 120th anniversary of the Eiffel Tower and so the Bastille Day, or le quatorze juillet, celebrations were kicked up a notch. Masses came to the Eiffel Tower's Champ de Mars to celebrate the commemoration of the storming of the Bastille in 1789. Power to the people! Every year there is a grand fireworks display in the evening with musicians playing throughout the day. The sunny afternoon had everyone festively sprawled on blankets filled with foods from every ethnicity. We gathered up picnic items from the morning produce and cheese markets, the local grocery store and had some essentials brought from home. The front and center locations fill up very early, so we were off to the side a little. The musicians played, people danced or just enjoyed the liveliness with food and wine. As evening approached, we were all relaxing with eyes toward the sky. The first fireworks came and teased the crowd as they cheered. As darkness fully settled in, the sky lit up. The Eiffel Tower sparkled and fireworks seemed to come from every level.The tower itself changed colors with it's own light show. The grand finale shot out as the 1812 Overture played and the sky became a kaleidoscope of fire and color.It was a finale to remember and gave a celebratory power to the people as they all stormed back home.Written and photographed by Diane.The last photo was contributed by a friend.